BCBSNC Launches Phase II of Medication Dedication Program

This month, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is implementing Phase II of its Medication Dedication program to help members take advantage of formulary changes and generic copayment waivers for drugs used in the treatment of four chronic conditions: congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Phase II of the program includes a refill reminder call program for all eligible members and enhanced ePrescribe messaging for participating physicians.

Beginning May 9 (or June 10 for ASO members), eligible members will receive an automated call to remind them of the copayment waivers available to them whenever they refill a generic prescription used to treat any of the aforementioned chronic disorders. Members will receive these calls on a quarterly basis based on their compliance with any of the specific medications that are included in the Medication Dedication program. If they become compliant, then they will no longer receive the automated reminder calls. (ASO groups can opt out of the Medication Dedication program at any time, but BCBSNC requires 60 days prior notification to process the change.)

In addition to the refill reminder calls, BCBSNC will be utilizing enhanced ePrescribe messaging services to provide visual cues to physicians about a participating patient’s medication adherence history. BCBSNC’s ePrescribe program is used to promote the adoption of electronic prescribing among practices in North Carolina that write a high volume of prescriptions. The enhanced ePrescribe services are intended to bolster the Medication Dedication program through more informed and efficient prescribing by physicians.

The BCBSNC Medication Dedication program is designed to improve a patient’s adherence to his or her doctor’s prescribed drug regimen, which has been proven to provide significant health benefits and lower overall health costs by treating chronic conditions before they become more serious and more costly to treat.

Should you have any additional questions about this program, please contact our office at 919-403-1986.

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May 8, 2008

Hill, Chesson & Woody
Employee Benefit Services

194 Finley Golf Course Road, Suite 200,
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919.403.1986
Fax: 919.913.0237

www.hcwbenefits.com